USCG Sector Puget Sound Launches Effort to Curb Vessel Traffic’s Impact on Whales

USCG Sector Puget Sound Launches Effort to Curb Vessel Traffic’s Impact on Whales

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound is engaging in a four-year pilot program that is expected to help minimize the vessel traffic impact on endangered whales in the Salish Sea, the agency announced Feb. 21. Hosted in the Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), the program allows for the Coast Guard to get whale sighting reports from mariners and give close to real-time information on whale locations to mariners through a whale report alert system, according to the Guard. The Coast Guard said that it plans to work closely with international, federal, tribal and state entities as well as…
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Puget Sound Zero-Emissions Truck Collaborative Launched

Puget Sound Zero-Emissions Truck Collaborative Launched

For the first time, the Puget Sound Zero-Emissions Truck Collaborative convened more than two dozen trucking firms, warehousers and other industry stakeholders to in effort to create a plan for a “transition to zero-emission drayage trucking in the Puget Sound region by 2050,” the Northwest Seaport Alliance announced June 30. The collaborative, which is expected to meet bi-monthly until December 2024, is tasked with creating a Decarbonizing Drayage Roadmap, a blueprint for maximizing new opportunities such as government funding increases and dealing with specific challenges, including the high cost of zero-emission trucks and lack of charging and fueling infrastructure, according…
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Seattle Port Executive Director Named Puget Sound Maritime Public Official of the Year

Seattle Port Executive Director Named Puget Sound Maritime Public Official of the Year

Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck was recently named the Puget Sound Maritime Public Official of the Year at a Seattle Maritime Day Breakfast event, the port revealed May 25. The Seattle Propeller Club’s Public Official of the Year Award honors policymakers who have demonstrated leadership and support for the maritime industry. Port Commissioner Toshiko Grace Hasegawa, who announced the award, spoke of Metruck’s strong leadership and experience, particularly through the pandemic. “Steve led the port through the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring no interruption of essential aviation and maritime operations and moving ahead with critical capital…
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2022 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award Recipient Named

2022 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award Recipient Named

Longtime Puget Sound maritime advocate Debbie Granger is the recipient of the 2022 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award. Granger, a member of the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County, is one of just three women to win the award since it was first given out in 1951. Granger is known for her work in raising awareness of the region’s maritime industry, bringing her experience in education, fish processing, public relations, marketing, fundraising and event management to the table. Before retiring to Whatcom County, she worked at the University of Washington, where she oversaw a 12-state aquaculture research consortium. She created…
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Everett Ship Repair Opens New Dry Dock

Everett Ship Repair Opens New Dry Dock

Everett Ship Repair recently celebrated the opening and naming of its newest dry dock, the Emerald Lifter. Named in tribute to the Puget Sound, the Emerald Lifter conducted maintenance and preservation work before moving to the company’s facility at the Port of Everett last month and being put into service May 3 with its first drydocking, the company said. Its 2,000-ton lifting capacity and 220-foot by 62-foot working deck will complement the facility and Faithful Servant, the company’s current 430-foot by 110-foot 8,000-ton capacity dry dock that’s been operating since 2019. The company also received from sister company Nichols Brothers…
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